Have you ever been so angered that you wanted to tell someone a thing or two about how you really felt, or better yet so angry that you wanted to take matters into your own hands? Well if you have, you're not alone, but how do we respond as Christians?
The story of David and Abigail told in 1 Samuel 25 depicts this situation clearly. David and his army had been watching Nabal's land and his men without him even knowing. When David sent his men to ask for food, Nabal insulted them by asking, "who's David" that he should give any of his food away? This angered David greatly. As a result, David gathered his men to take matters into his own hands; but Abigail, Nabal's wife, interceded on his behalf and pleaded with David to spare his life. Not only were her words soothing, but her actions displayed the sincerity of her kind words, as she offered food and drink to David and his men, ultimately changing his response to Nabal.
Much like David, we are often ready to hurt those who have hurt us, but God had instructed us to use kindness to override anger. If Abigail had responded to David in anger, she would have lost her witness and maybe ultimately her life: it's not worth it!
Living in a world where murder, strife, anger, and hatred are at an all time high, it seems crazy to not "defend" ourselves with words or actions, but we must be wise. We must adhere to God's word and soften anger with kind words as stated in Proverbs 15:1. Doing so places vengeance back into the hands of it's rightful owner: God. See ultimately God dealt with Nabal, as he ultimately died while David's hands remained clean. We are no different, God will do the same for us, if we just stand back and let Him.
Today remember to speak words of love and kindness to quench anger and strife.
The story of David and Abigail told in 1 Samuel 25 depicts this situation clearly. David and his army had been watching Nabal's land and his men without him even knowing. When David sent his men to ask for food, Nabal insulted them by asking, "who's David" that he should give any of his food away? This angered David greatly. As a result, David gathered his men to take matters into his own hands; but Abigail, Nabal's wife, interceded on his behalf and pleaded with David to spare his life. Not only were her words soothing, but her actions displayed the sincerity of her kind words, as she offered food and drink to David and his men, ultimately changing his response to Nabal.
Much like David, we are often ready to hurt those who have hurt us, but God had instructed us to use kindness to override anger. If Abigail had responded to David in anger, she would have lost her witness and maybe ultimately her life: it's not worth it!
Living in a world where murder, strife, anger, and hatred are at an all time high, it seems crazy to not "defend" ourselves with words or actions, but we must be wise. We must adhere to God's word and soften anger with kind words as stated in Proverbs 15:1. Doing so places vengeance back into the hands of it's rightful owner: God. See ultimately God dealt with Nabal, as he ultimately died while David's hands remained clean. We are no different, God will do the same for us, if we just stand back and let Him.
Today remember to speak words of love and kindness to quench anger and strife.
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